Acceptable Use Policy
Document: AUP2019-1
Computers are used to support and enhance learning. Internet access allows users to share resources, innovations, experiences and interact with people from all over the world. This policy is intended to prescribe the appropriate behaviour and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources by users in an effective, ethical and lawful manner.
This policy applies to the use of the ICT resources owned and managed by SST, as well as those brought in for use by users. ICT resources include computer accounts, servers, disk storage, software, email, public folders, network and the Internet. All users are to comply with this Policy.
General Policy
1. Users shall use the ICT resources according to the purpose for which they are provided, which is for the administrative, teaching and learning activities in SST.
2. Users shall not engage in any activities relating to the use of the ICT resources that will be in violation of the laws of Singapore, in particular (but not limited to), the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act (Cap 50A, available at https://sso.agc.gov.sg//) as may be amended from time to time. Some examples of such illegal uses are:
(i) Downloading, distribution, sharing or storing of seditious, obscene or pornographic materials;
(ii) Infringement of any copyright and intellectual property right.
3. Users shall use only software that meets legal requirements, such as having valid licences.
4. Users shall not use, modify or adapt ICT resources for commercial purposes or financial gains.
5. Users shall immediately report any violations or suspected violations of laws or policies as well as any loopholes or potential loopholes in the security of ICT resources to the IT Department.
Account UserIDs and Passwords
6. Users shall be responsible and accountable for all activities conducted via his/ her account.
7. Users shall not reveal their login userIDs and passwords (to any school system) assigned to them.
8. Users should change the temporary or issued password at the first logon. They shall change their passwords regularly to prevent break-in and whenever there is any indication of possible system or password compromise. They are strongly encouraged to activate the Two-factor authentication (2FA) feature in their email accounts.
9. Users shall not use the user account for any illegal activities. These include making unauthorised attempts to gain access to any account not belonging to him/ her, hacking into computer systems, spreading computer viruses or sending undesirable materials.
Computer System and Electronic Storage Media
10. Users shall ensure that their systems are adequately protected before connecting to SST’s network.
(i) An up-to-date anti-virus software installed and activated;
(ii) A personal firewall installed and activated;
(iii) Latest software security patches installed.
11. Users shall not place their computer and portable electronic storage media near an external window or public access area where it could be subjected to physical theft.
12. Users shall not leave their computer and portable electronic storage media unattended. If it is not possible, the computer shall be securely locked away when not in use or secured with a cable lock by attaching it something immovable.
When Travelling
13. Users shall hand-carry their computer and portable electronic storage when travelling overseas. These shall not be checked in as check-in luggage.
14. When clearing customs, users shall hold onto their computer and electronic storage device until the person in front has gone through the method detector and shall continue to keep an eye on them when they go through the X-ray belt and emerge on the other side of the screener.
Email/Messenger Usage
15. Users shall not transmit libelous, slanderous, defamatory in nature, threatening or abusive messages or any messages that may be reasonably construed as such.
16. Users shall not forward messages containing general appeals or warnings like ‘virus warnings’, ‘request for help’, by mass mail or otherwise.
17. Users shall not forge the identity of or impersonate another person in an email.
18. Users shall not knowingly transmit by email/message any harmful or malicious content (e.g. viruses) or any other content or material that may otherwise violate the civil and criminal laws of Singapore.
19. Users shall not flood an individual, group or the email system with numerous or large emails.
Internet Access, Usage and Social Networking
20. Users shall be discerning when accessing websites. They shall avoid websites of unknown or disreputable origin.
21. Users shall be responsible for all content that they upload, post, email, transmit or otherwise make available via the school network.
22. Users shall not upload or download, send or post, enter or publish any content to the internet that is objectionable or illegal under the Singapore Law.
23. Users shall not upload or download, send or post, enter or publish any content to the internet that is against the public interest, public order, national interest, racial and religious harmony , or which offends good taste or decency, or is otherwise indecent, obscene, pornographic or defamatory.
24. Users shall not upload or download, send or post, enter or publish any content to the internet that is confidential, distasteful or prejudicial to the good name of the school.
25. Users shall be mindful of public nature of the internet and shall not discuss or disclose confidential and proprietary information of SST or any organisation.
26. Users shall be respectful to staff and students and their rights for privacy.
27. Users shall be mindful of the need to protect your own privacy.
Network Connection
28. Users shall not install and operate their own wireless Access Points emulating or interrupting the performance of the school’s network infrastructure wireless access points.
29. Users shall not attempt to monitor another user’s data communications nor access, read, copy, change or delete another person’s files or software without authorisation.
30. Users shall not install or use diagnostic and/or vulnerability scanning tools on SST’s network under any circumstances, as such tools may be used to compromise the security of the network.
31. Users shall not indiscriminately issue search instructions and download data manually or via automated intelligent agents that may potentially consume large amount of network/ internet bandwidth and ICT resources, or which may degrade the network performance.
32. In the event that the situation poses an immediate security threat to the ICT resources or other external systems, SST may disconnect the user’s computer or ICT equipment from the school’s network and/or disable the user account for further pending actions and notify the user accordingly.
Failure to adhere to the policy and guidelines above may result in the suspension or revocation of the user account. In serious cases, students may also face disciplinary action in school and/or prosecution in the court of law if he/she uses his/her account for illegal purposes.